The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1887-03-19
THE HOUSEHOLD.
C00ceyatu0 CHrDets.

In regard to the color of carpets the fol-
lowing rule may be laid down: For draw
ing rooms, parlors, and bedrooms, while
loud and glazing hues should be avoided,
We may nevertheless allow ourselves a
liberal sprinkling of crimson, dead gold,
russell brown, and all the beautiful tints
that nature distributes through the land
scape in these autumn days. In the draw
ing room, especially, there should be
warm, rich hues to correspond with our
oil paintings in their gilded frames, our mir.
rors and old china, or whatever of art work,
with its wealth of color, We chance to
possess. In our bedrooms we want bright
tints to preserve cheerfulness, and to avoid
too glaring contrast with our white
counterpanes and muslin draped toilet
tables and windows. In the library, sober
hues must be chosen. to harmonic with
walnut book cases, desks, and writing
tables, and the sober dress wherewith
publishers clothe books that are to stand
the wear and tear of use and time. In
halls and diningrooms, also, only quiet
colors should appear.
The pattern of carpet should always
depend upon the size of the room. The
form should be fiat, without any attempt
at shadow or relief. Some of the most
beautiful designs furnished by our manu-
facturers are found among the Administer
carpets, and, these, though expensive, are
at once the most desirable and most serv-
iceable for large apartments. These car
pets were first introduced in 1855. The
warp aud wool are of strong linen, and
the soft tufts of wool in which the design
is worked are admirably adapted to the dis
play of a delicate and elaborate pattern.
The varied greens Of ferns and MOSES can
be made to appear, and every detail of leaf
nd Ho6 ont hn
consider Administer carpet beyond the
limits of their purse the velvet pile is very
desirable, and makes perfectly satisfac-
tory covering for parlor floor. An ex-
cellent general rule would be, where the
home is not very pretentious and the income
moderate, velvet carpet for the parlor,
Brussels for the hall and stairs, dining
room and spare bedroom, the rest of the
house being modestly restricted to ingrains
or mating.
There is one essential to all satisfactory
floor covering. 1t should never be omitted.
That is, the sponge or cotton carpet Innings,
chemically prepared, so as to prevent the
incursions of moths. This can always be
procured for Is or 20 cents per square
ward, and nc. only does it add TO the COM
fort and appearance fthe carpet two-fold,
but will make it last at least half as long
again. Country people used frequently to
put straw under the carpets, but this is too
harsh, and reveals itself too quickly the
moment the foot presses 1t. The cotton
lining gives the carpet softness that seems
to belong to IFS own material, and per-
suades the visitor that he has a rich pile
under his feet, when he may in reality be
treading upon an ingram at rs cents per
yard. With stair carpets heavy padding
should be laid upon the edge of each step,
and the carpet should always be yard or
SO longer than is necessary, SO that worn
places may be changed.
A wise selection Of floor care
in laying them, and a little careful atten-
ton when signs of wear begin to show in
certain places, such as changing the leca-
ton of q chair or introducing mat or rug,
will keep our floors bright and fresh for .
long time, with only moderate expense.